Food Network star and mayor of Flavortown Guy Fieri has recruited Sophistafunk to be the house band for his new show, Guy’s Ultimate Game Night. The beloved Syracuse, NY-based hip-hop jam band has developed a close relationship with the celebrity chef and TV presenter over the years, performing at private parties, high-profile events, and other TV appearances. Now, he has enlisted the group to provide the funkalicious soundtrack for his innovative food-themed game show, including the program’s theme song.
Premiering August 31st on the Food Network and streaming via Discovery+, Guy’s Ultimate Game Night will feature celebrity contestants and their loved ones competing in food-related challenges, trivia, and party games to benefit the charities of their choice. Contestants will include Cheech Marin, Jay and Silent Bob, Bret Michaels, Carnie Wilson, Alyssa Milano, and more.
Although the series might be more game show than talk show, the landmark gig will place Sophistafunk among the esteemed ranks of late-night house bands, which may be stronger now than ever before in TV history with The Roots holding down The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Louis Cato leading The Late Show Band on Colbert, Reggie Watts helming The Late Late Show with James Corden‘s house band, and Fred Armisen and the 8g Band providing the soundtrack to Late Night with Seth Meyers.
“We were just about to play a Super Bowl event in Tempe, AZ, and Guy Fieri turns to me and says ‘You know, if I ever get my own [talk or game] show, I want you to be my Roots,’” Sophistafunk MC Jack Brown tells Live For Live Music about how the gig came to be. “Without missing a beat, I said, ‘Put up the bat signal. Put up the FUNK signal.’ Seven years and many great memories later, he did. Truly a man of his word. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and we rocked it. Had everybody dancing. It’s us being us, and it’s all for charity! It’s a dream come true.”
Tune in to the Food Network or Discovery+ this Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, August 31st to hear Sophistafunk on the premier of Guy’s Ultimate Game Night hosted by Guy Fieri. For more information about Sophistafunk, head here.
